Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2008-09: Had a breakout year for Rimouski, scoring 72 points in 62 games.

2009-10: In his first pro season, Piche appeared in 9 AHL games with Grand Rapids with no points and 4 PIMs. He skated in 36 ECHL games with the Toledo Walleye, scoring 5 goals, 23 assists for 28 points. He added 2 assists in 4 playoff games.

2010-11: Piche spent most of his season on the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, playing in 48 games and scoring 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points. He also saw time with the Griffins where he put up 2 assists through 11 games.

Talent Analysis

Is an offensive-oriented defenseman. Piche does very well on the powerplay, as he has good puck control and possesses an impressive, strong shot. He also plays a steady defensive game when needed.

Future

Projects as a depth defenseman. Will really need to step up and show he can play at the pro level. Piche was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the deal that brought Kyle Quincey back to the Detroit Red Wings.

Bendera Takes Off For Kelowna

Late yesterday afternoon Shane Bendera had his car packed, but it wasn’t to go join his new Rocket teammates for their game in Moose Jaw against the Warriors. In fact, Bendera wasn’t even aware that he was a member of the Kelowna Rockets at the time. Bendera had his car packed so he could go home for the holidays.

“I was getting ready to go home for Christmas. I had the car all packed and ready to go. Then (Rebel Coach Brent) Sutter calls me into his office told me I got traded to Kelowna,” said Bendera. “…They wanted me in Moose Jaw (right away). So I had to catch a quick flight. I didn’t have time to pack or say any goodbyes.”

The Rockets aquired Bendera in an attempt to stabilize their goaltending, which has struggled at the best of times this season. As a team, the Rockets are 14-18-2, but are almost a lock for a playoff spot after acquiring arguably the best goalie in the WHL. The acquisition of Bendera comes not a moment too soon for Rockets General Manager Bruce Hamilton. His Rockets have not been consistent in net, and as a team have a 3.36 GAA with an .879 SV%. Bendera enters the organization sporting an 11-6-3 record with a 2.28 GAA and .918 SV%.

But a team cannot aquire a goaltender of the caliber of Shane Bendera without losing a few keys to success as well. Lost by the Rockets was former starting goalie, and the man Bendera replaces, Jason Stone. Stone, in 27 games, had posted a respectable 12-9-2 record with a 2.99 GAA and .890 S Read more»

Nothing seems to work, as far as luck goes. On Friday night, the nuclear submarine USS Albany was in Norfolk harbor. On Sunday night, Hershey fans threw hundreds and hundreds of (stuffed) bears on the ice. Neither circumstance brought the slightest bit of luck for the Albany River Rats who, at 1-12-1 away from home, have sunk to the depths of the worst road team in the league. Quite a comedown for Rats’ fans who once boasted (just two years ago) that they had a winning record, lifetime, against every team in the American Hockey League and who were a solid road team.

In the week just past, the Rats dropped a 4-1 contest to the Norfolk Admirals and a 4-3 overtime loss to Hershey. In what was the last regular season game ever in HersheyPark Arena, the Rats had rolled up a 3-0 lead, then let in four unanswered goals, to see a road victory disappear, for a 4-3 loss. Lifetime, the River Rats are 11-7-0-2 on Hershey ice.

On Friday, in their second and final game this season against Norfolk, Albany mustered only one goal, a power play tally by Stephen Guolla, while giving up four, including two power play goals and an empty-netter. Ari Ahonen took the loss for Albany.

The road loss in Hershey should not have happened. The Rats scored the first three goals, all in the first 20 minutes. Joel Bouchard, a good puck-carrying defenseman, got his first goal of the season. Steve Guolla and Jiri Bicek combined on an odd-man rush for Bicek’s seventh goal on the campaign. Max Birbraer got his first on the season.

In Moose Jaw, Shawn Limpright scored twice and added one assist to lead theWarriors to their win. David Bararuk added one goal and two assists for thewinners, while Kyle Kettles made 23 saves in goal. Kiel McLeod had one goaland one assist for the losers.

The Rockets announced on Tuesday that they had acquired veteran goaltenderShane Bendera from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for forward Carsen Germynand goaltender Jason Stone.

In Medicine Hat, Joffrey Lupul scored four goals to spark the Tigers totheir win. Brett Draney added one goal and two assists while Chris St.Jacques added three assists for the winners. Sean Connors made 28 saves ingoal for Medicine Hat, while Brandon Segal scored his 23rd goal of theseason for Calgary.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE

There are three games in the OHL on Wednesday night. Peterborough plays inBelleville, Mississauga travels to Erie and Sault Ste. Marie visits OwenSound.

There were no games in the OHL on either Monday or Tuesday night.

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

There are four games in the QMJHL on Wednesday night. Halifax (8) is atMontreal, Cape Breton plays in Rouyn-Noranda, Acadie-Bathurst (1) is atBaie-Comeau and Rimouski travels to Quebec.

Bendera Sent Packing

In a strong attempt to gain stability between the pipes, Kelowna Rockets General Manager Bruce Hamilton aquired one of the top goalies in the WHL, Shane Bendera. Marred by goaltending trouble, the Rockets sent 19-year-olds Carsen Germyn and Jason Stone to the Rebels.

Bendera, who had posted an 11-6-3 record with a 2.28 GAA and .918 SV% was flipped for goaltender Jason Stone, who had put up respectable numbers of 12-9-2 with a .299 GAA and .899 SV%. Carsen Germyn, one of the most-liked players on the Rockets, had 10 goals and 28 points in 23 games.